Tokayev urges CIS countries to protect Caspian biodiversity

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the Caspian Ecological Summit, stressed the importance of taking additional measures to preserve biodiversity in the Caspian Sea. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

In his view, the shrinking of the sea, changes to natural habitats, pollution and growing anthropogenic pressure require intensified efforts to restore spawning grounds and to protect ecosystems in river valleys and particularly vulnerable species of flora and fauna.

"The experience of the Northern Aral has shown that combining engineering measures with nature-oriented scientific approaches makes it possible to effectively address water management and environmental tasks. It has also proven that coastal areas can be preserved and the consequences of climate change mitigated. Special attention must be paid to combating illegal fishing and the shadow circulation of biological resources," the president said.

He noted that this problem can only be solved through collective efforts, and that digital monitoring tools should be used in this regard.

"Kazakhstan is ready to mobilize the potential of the state nature reserve established to protect the Caspian seal and its habitat for this common work. Special attention should also be paid to preserving ecological corridors in order to minimize anthropogenic impact in areas that are extremely important for the life cycle of seals. Ultimately, the Caspian cannot be imagined without the seal," Tokayev said.

The president said Kazakhstan has begun work on establishing an International Fund for the Conservation of Biodiversity.

"Its goal is to unite the efforts of the world community in nature conservation. Protecting the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea and rare species will be one of the fund's important areas of activity. I invite everyone to take an active part in the fund's work and to implement joint concrete projects," the head of state said.

It was also reported that the area of the receded Caspian Sea waters exceeded 16 thousand square kilometers.